In his "Producer's Note" in the beautiful book that is part of the box, Lemieux, who attended the first 10 shows on the tour, states, "To my ears this was the last tour that was consistently great, where every show is excellent, not a dud in the bunch." And Grateful Dead historian Dennis McNally's comprehensive and informative insider's essay in the box is titled "The Last Great Dead Tour." These guys know what they're talking about.

Basically, the band had been on an upward trajectory since Garcia's return to the road in the spring of '87, following his near-death the previous summer. Of course, 1987 was a trip in itself, what with the unexpected mega-success of In the Dark and their first hit single, "Touch of Grey." But the momentum just kept building with each subsequent tour, as Garcia got back up to full speed (and then some!) and the group as a whole was as unified as they had ever been since Brent joined the band in the spring of '79. New original tunes were popping up and the old favorites were imbued with a freshness and spirit that was so uplifting and inspiring. The band was having fun again, and it was downright infectious.

The group's fall 1989 shows-as documented two years ago on the Formerly the Warlocks box (two shows from Hampton, VA, 10/8-9/89) and on the 2001 release Nightfall of Diamonds (a single night in NJ, 10/16/89)- kicked the energy level up another couple of notches, as the band reintroduced such loved classics as "Help on the Way" > "Slipknot!," "Attics of My Life," "Death Don't Have No Mercy" and "Dark Star."

And when the band hit the road in mid-March 1990, they had a bunch of other cool tunes to lay on their unsuspecting crowds, including the return of "Loose Lucy" (last played in 1974; it's not on this box), Brent's "Easy to Love You" (missing since 1980), a rollicking cover of the Rolling Stones' "The Last Time," The Band's "The Weight" (with all four singers taking a verse each) and a lyrically retooled "Black-Throated Wind" (absent since 1974), which elicited huge cheers every time it was played.

Over these six shows, most of the cornerstones of the Dead's repertoire from the era appear-splendid versions of "Scarlet Begonias" > "Fire on the Mountain," "China Cat Sunflower" > "I Know You Rider," "Playing in the Band," "Uncle John's Band," "Eyes of the World," "Estimated Prophet," "Truckin'," "Sugar Magnolia," "The Other One," "Terrapin," "Stella Blue," "Feel Like a Stranger," "Bird Song," "Let It Grow," "China Doll," "Box of Rain," "Morning Dew"; you name it. From the fall '89 breakouts come "Help-Slip-Frank," "Attics of My Life" and "Death Don't Have No Mercy." Among the still newish tunes are "Picasso Moon," "Blow Away," "Foolish Heart," "Just a Little Light," "Victim or the Crime," "Standing on the Moon," "We Can Run" and a couple that would get their final plays from the Grateful Dead on this tour-"Built to Last" and "Believe It or Not." There are stirring renditions of "Dear Mr. Fantasy" and "Black Muddy River," rockin' takes on "Gimme Some Lovin'" and "Iko Iko" and the only version of the full "Hey Jude" the band attempted in the modern era. And the "Rhythm Devils" and "Space" jams at the heart of each second set are as noisy-beautiful-scary-funny-intense-mysterious-wild as you'd expect/hope for.

Of course, we understand that some of you may have other favorite shows from this tour you wish were included on this box. Really, you can't go wrong with any of them. But at 18 discs, this is still the second largest Grateful Dead box (after Europe '72: The Complete Recordings) that's been released, and the non-inclusion of any other shows from the tour definitely does not preclude their future release! But this seemed like a more manageable way to go, while still giving a sense of the tour's amazing depth and breadth.

Besides the discs themselves, Grateful Dead: Spring 1990 has much to offer, including: a gorgeous 60-page hardcover book containing copious color photos by Jim Anderson and Michael Laurentus, unique artwork by Brooklyn-based fine artist Wes Lang, fascinating business letters and communications related to the tour, a detailed historical essay by Dennis McNally, a Producer's Note by David Lemieux and individual show descriptions by Blair Jackson; a reproduction of the Dead's 1990 tour program (printed and sold later in '90, for the fall and Europe '90 tours); tickets and backstage passes of all six shows; a band publicity photo from 1990 by Ken Friedman; Dennis McNally's tour laminate; and reproductions of the colored 8x10 sheets GDTS sent out with hotel, food and other information for each city on the tour.

With recordings made by longtime Grateful Dead recordist and producer John Cutler, mastered by Jeffrey Norman in HDCD, you just know it's gonna sound great-and it does!

So, that's the skinny this time 'round. This box is limited to just 9,000 numbered copies - please note, this is the only time these shows will ever be officially available on CD. There will not be an All Music Edition and single shows will not be available physically. Due to ship out August 31st, we anticipate that this extraordinary set will sell-out, so order your copy today!

If you're looking for more of a bite-sized taste of the '90s, Spring 1990: So Glad You Made It, a 2-CD set featuring a handful of favorites, will be in stores on September 18th.

Disc 1
1. Feel Like A Stranger [8:12]
2. West L. A. Fadeaway [7:41]
3. Easy To Love You [6:14]
4. Beat It On Down The Line [3:34]
5. It Must Have Been The Roses [6:29]
6. The Last Time [5:40]
7. Picasso Moon [7:07]
8. Don't Ease Me In [3:30]

I have emailed Dave Lemieux and he advised that the boxes were more than 50% sold as of Monday the 6th. His estimation is that there are 30% or less available at this time which would be 3000 boxes or so. I imagine it will be sold out befor the end of next week if not sooner. Get it if you are on the fence......cheers.

Are you just having fun with us, Anna? There has to be more than 250 sets sold. At least that many people seem to have commented on how happy they are about this release, or at least willing enough to purchase it. I would guess, as someone else did, that it is about halfway to being sold out, if not closer. I hope I'm wrong because I think the price is too high for the amount of discs, and I hope Rhino lowers the price per disc for the next box. I won't get into my argument or "whine" about it anymore, though. :)

But I do agree with the comment that no one from Rhino is getting "rich" from this. 9000 x $200 = $1.8m, a good chunk of which is going to the band, engineers, employees, other costs. Definitely not a windfall leftover after everythings's been paid. Rhino, like everyone else, deserves to get paid. It just won't be with my money this time. Most people who bought this one will enjoy it though. These are very good shows from a very good tour, possibly the peak of late-era Dead.

I can't believe anyone is gettin rich from the material rhino is releasing. The numbers are quite small about 10,000 units of each relase. Between dave's picks and the new box if every thing is sold that is 3 million dollars before expenses. Rhino must produce 300,000 cds, market them and distribute. Once all expenses are paid and profits are split with the band and royaltys paid to the writers there is not that much to go around. The only reason so much has been released is some people doing this must really love the band. Yeah they are not doing it toally free but at a more than reasonable price for what we get. As far as the sound quality goes I still have nightmares about the hiss and distortion from casette tapes. The only questioin I care about is what is going to be next.

...says it all, and far more politely than me! Clean well recorded shows from the '90's can powerfully evoke memories of having been there, and these are, for many of us, very happy memories. This IS a good and important thing. But as documents of music, and when thought of against the massive output of the mighty Dead over their assorted eras and tours, there is little here that demands, or even really invites, hearing! So, crank it up, and transport yourself back to dancing in the halls, meeting that special friend, that moment of chemically assisted enlightenment, and all that, but I will go listen to something else!

@ CT DP3 Subscriber I live in CT as well and received mine on the 3rd with the free shipping offer option. Good Luck !!! I can't wait till the end of the month for the Spring 90 shows....Woo Hooooooo :0)

I find it interesting for some to compare the eras that we at different times traveled with the band in body and or spirit. My begining was in '68 and I treasure the years following that, but to minimize the special Experiance that all permeable rocks known as "deadheads" were fortunate the have that energy flow thgrough them just does not feel good to me. I am glad that generations were able to be bound by the enchanting mystery we all were enveloped by. I see only unity and pure albeit colorful light shinning around us. May we all wear the halo the intimate knowledge that the miracle of kindness has place upon our heads.

I think this is fair for people who were going to Dead Shows then. I always wondered why They had all of those good concert videos in the late 80s, My fave is "Truckin Up to Buffalo". I bought 2 individual shows from the Europe 72 tour, Amsterdam and Paris May,3. Excellent Shows and good sound.
As far as digital goes, everything live that is running out now, is available on the Downloads page in about 4 different formats . I remember buying tapes from the Dead, I really miss The GD Almanac, just a neat periodical to have lying around.
JIm

PS- Anyone know how many 90s sets are left? 9000 is not very many, I would imagine they are over half gone.

First show was '89. Told my momma I was going to a friend's house. Old school heads should appreciate this...I came home 4 days later and 3 venues later. I believe anyway. Mom saw me and said, how were the colors? I had different clothes on. The next few years of tour happened to change my life. I'm one of the kids in the end that, by definition, had to explain to the even the younger generations that never had the opportunity to catch Jerry with the band that the early 90's were the best gig going at the time. Never Had such a GOODTIME in my life before. Thanx Dave!!!!

so i spent half the night on archive listening to the spring tour...there are some redeeming qualities to the energy level of the ensemble, but there is such little space in the music, its density is hard to listen to for extended periods...no one ever stops playing...everyone is always banging away, and as a musician myself, i just dont feel an ability to be listening if your are always bouncing off the ceiling, hands moving like hamster wheels...brent seems solid enough, but there is nothing to write home to mama about in his personal performances...i understand the nostalgia of having his last tour documented, and toward that end, i am happy that this box set is available for those who need to re experience their precious small piece of the dead, the late brent era...but i cant compare the two or three extended and lengthy eyes of the world cuts that i have listened to thus far with anything from may through june of 1974....apples and oranges...

re: audio quality:
Some people listen to a recording for the production values; others listen for the music actually being made. I'm kinda on the music side of the spectrum, myself. If you can't hear the music for the production, well, my sympathies extend to you...

re: phish:
It's great that they are so digital-media savvy. Unfortunately, there's nothing of theirs that I would ever care to download or listen to. Given the choice, I'm prepared to wait a bit for the good stuff.

re: 90's dead:
I'm a fan of early '70's dead, but enjoyed shows from the late 70's through '93. Thanks, Dave, for honoring all eras of my favorite band.

re: whining:
It's your money; keep it in your own pocket if the product isn't something that you want. It's OK to state why you will not be purchasing, if you feel the need, but be factual. If you engage in inane quesswork as to the motives of the folks engaged in production, don't be surprised if people think that you are whining.

I like to think that in the late 80's and early 90's the grateful dead were on fire, they all sounded tight and happy and you can see that they were all having fun. The years that you gave are quite fantastic but give those years a listen and you will see that they were ion fire more often then not in the late 80's and early 90's personally those are my favorite times that and early 70's. Either way give those years a good listen before jumping to any conclusions.

Ok, I have fussed enough. I'm sure this Spring '90 business will sound fine. I'm not a 90s fan but there will be gems in there of course.

Meanwhile, how about that Dave's #3?? The version of Comes a Time knocked me out. Did that song peak early or what? Damn. I'm only halfway through listening to DaP3 and it is already my fave by far. Off topic for this thread, I know. I'd rather rant about the 70s anyway.

Speaking of off-topic in the 70s, the version of Minglewood from 12/26/70 is playing in my headphones as I write this (from the first 30 Days of Dead freebie). Way to insert the odd verse, Bob! Makes me want to check out the rest of this show.

...69, 70, 71, 72, 74, 77, misc 80 and 81....all far superior in every way to the late brent era.. by 1990, jerrys leadership is diluted by self absorbtion on the part of all band members, and technical staff, most concerned about 'their sound'....group and collective consciousness is quite weak compared to earlier eras, and perhaps, as always with the dead, the band was simply a reflection of the crowd that was hanging around the scene at the time. no choice but to be disconnected from each other.

so as we all marvel at the advent of the age of digital technology and sampling, clean mixes and sharp separation, higher highs and lower lows, six string basses and fun space/drums/jam toys to beat on, think about the extent to which ensemble improvisation had all but disappeared by this time, leaving us to have little debates about how many 'blow aways' there were recorded during the era, or how great the 'new material' was...yeah yeah yeah...the best of the worst of any particular artist is not necessarily something to run home and shout about from the rooftops...

Are there going to be any more spring 90 T-Shirt designs put up for sale? I know each design is one run, but what about other designs? Two of the shirts have already sold out and the skeleton in top hat has sold out of my size (large). Wes Lang's album art for each of the individual shows looks really cool, especially the reaper and rose one (3/22/90 I think). They're selling stickers and patches with that one, but stickers and patches aren't quite as much my thing.

Being that I was too young to experience anything Grateful Dead before 1980,...and my first show was in 1982, the Brent years have a special place in my heart, and this expands my heart to 3x the normal size, no I am not the Grinch,..LOL>>>but this just gives me such a thrill to be able to go back and listen to the magic once again, and remember all those f***in' good shows I caught whilst they were in their late 80's rebirth. So looking forward to the expansive listen,..so glad I made it!!!

Let's see . . .
A group of very serious and devout Deadheads responds to requests from other Heads to spruce up and release some great music from the 90's. They spend weeks and months listening critically to dozens and dozens of shows. They recruit a record company that specializes in releasing high-quality (both sonically and packaging-wise) CDs by obscure-yet-talented musicians, even though many of those releases have expected sales in the low thousands of units. This team of Deadheads (who have heard more Dead than just about anyone), who have the time, inclination, and equipment to produce the best possible sound from decades-old tapes, decide how the music will be best presented, in terms of source material and production process. They dress the CDs up with lavish books that will be a joy to look at for years, along with some trinkets that stir old memories and make the set a wonder to behold.

Leaves me thinking of two words only--
Thank you!

For anyone who thinks that Rhino is some greedy company, please go take a look at the artists they produce. The people at Rhino love music, and put out well-thought releases that no other company would even consider. I am willing to bet $200 that David and company made the best decision on this set as to which source tapes to use. And Europe '72 sounds amazing to my ears through a tube amp, some Grados, and some Magnepans. If folks didn't scream so loudly about complete show-only releases, then perhaps there would have been an 8-disc compilation of this tour that was $140, but hit all the truly fantastic moments, but excluded all the mediocre moments. Then it would have been more affordable, would have hit everyone's favorite moment, and would have allowed more production time for the 80's releases that some folks clamor for. (personally I would love more 60's) You can't have it all, so I'm Grateful that we get so gosh darn many releases that look and sound excellent.

Hey everyone...for what it's worth, my copy arrived this monday, August 6, & I've never had a problem getting the releases..I'm in upstate NY..Albany.
And, at the risk of offending some of my friends out here...Brent was a whiz on the keyboards, no question. But I found his voice to be one of the most annoying in rock and a distraction from any song on which he sang.
Today being the anniversary of Jerry's death, would this not be a good time for folks to lobby the Post Office for a Jerry Stamp??? We all know now that addiction is a disease. And if that is raised as an objection to honoring Jerry, look at all the stamps that have been issued for Americans who were drug addicts and alcoholics over the years...Spencer Tracy, Billie Holliday, Bing Crosby, who also beat his wife & children, Edgar Allan Poe, James Baldwin...the list goes on. I don't know how a person gets to have a stamp celebrating his life & contributions to our lives and culture, but of all places, THIS site should have someone who knows how to get this started. Be well everybody, and as a wise old dude once said to me...go to church today and blow out a candle in Jerry's name.

DP#3...pffft. I actually forgot about it. Needles to say mine hasn't arrived yet. I can hardly wait for the Spring 90 box to arrive though. I should be just getting back from Phish's 2nd leg when it arrives. I can't wait to pop in the first disc. I'm going straight to Nassau!

My experience is that it takes no longer than 9 days for UPS Ground to go coats to coast That is the slowest way to go, bar none, even USPS bulk. Therefore, all of this did not go out the door on 7/30/12, guaranteed.

I must have tin ears because I think the sound quality of Europe 72 was terrific-especially for 40 year old tapes. I have generally thought the sound on all the releases was at least good to excellent given what the age is and the choice of recording medium. I'm listening through a system with tube amps and Klipsch old time speakers-either Heresys or Epics depending upon the mood. These speakers are revealing and dynamic so shit doesn't generally turn to shinola on them and I have been happy with the sound. I did think there were problems with the Warlocks box but, all in all, not bad. Judging from the comments around here I must have tin ears. I pity the "Golden Ear" folks-nothing is gonna make them happy.

After one year almost to the day, I Got an email from rhino saying, we are sorry and am now offering to replace your defective discs. Ha, I've heard that before, they just want to shut me up cause they know any bad publicity will cost them sales, which is what it is all about to them. I haven't replied to their vain attempt to appease me cause I can't and won't go thru all that again, I will just keep what I have and not deal with them. man, I'm so glad I waited for the reviews, this hasn't even been heard yet and we now know that it is not 24, it's 2. What a joke, they've got the master tapes in 24 track and they give us 2 track mix downs. Rhino, you are the worst example of American business practices ever. Hey everyone, this release isn't worth 20 bucks, well alone 200. A friend of mine asked me to go in with him so we could get this release, I laughed so hard at him and told him to just listen to the e72 discs and from those, determine if you are gonna get a quality product, after a few cuts, he reniged his offer and said "thanks" for making me listen. Too bad, too sad, rhino, I wish you had never been given such a gift, the dead vault, for you to shat on, and maybe soon your envolvement with the best music ever made will come to an end. Ripoff money grubbing capitalist, your karma will catch up to you and when it does, I hope I'm still around to see your demise.

Also not arrived in NC. Aside from the whole USPS question, I'm thinking that since the release sold out, it's shipping all at once...more or less. I'm imagining one guy with a stack of boxes on one side, a conveyor belt with CDs on the other, and a little routine like the "I Love Lucy" assembly line thing happening (sorry for the way-ancient TV show reference).

No DP3 in CT yet either. I was thinking the postals lost it but as a lot of you aren't receiving it i guess its just a general snafu of the mail. I have always chosen the cheap option and received it within 3-5 days in the past.

I have been ordering stuff since late 89, back then it was cassete tapes, grateful four cds. i noticed1990 box didnt sell out in the record time inwhich europe 72 did. the winner is e72, sofar, i would like to see afull box release of april 1971, it would sell out, as far as comparing the era's of to eachother is pointless none are greter or lesser than eacother in my opion, i have been hooked ever since i bought touch of grey single on tape with brother esau, i want to hear it all so there are afew blemiched recordings sound quality isnt perfect . i went to 9 shows in the ninties and i enjoyed them all i dont compare or judge them they are what they are and i love them all, but to be able to go online and listen to those shows is invaluable i hope that ability never goes away unless they are officially realeased which is probally unlikly , i have enjoyed reading the comments hopefully mine can entertain too.
PS. I Love the Grateful Dead

my comments have nothing to do with the release,i want to hear everything eventually also,60's,70's,80's,and 90's.release it all,just get rid of the bells and whistles IMO.it has to do with dave's statement which i feel is more on the business side of selling the box set and not a true feeling of his.of course we will never really know.if it had been a late 80's release would he have compared that tour to the ones he mentioned in the video.they were on fire during this time,brent and jerry had a good blend.i love the videos-view from the vault,the way jerry and brent feed off of oneanother.just like you said in your post,bobby said pretty much the same thing about when they were in their prime.im just questioning his statement.i hope he does really feel that way to be honest,who wants someone making statements like that based on trying to sell new releases.

As far as Dave's Picks vol.3, I'm still waiting for my copy here up by the Great Lakes as well. Hopefully tomorrow!

@ One Man, until the day somebody invents a way to absorb this music through osmosis, I'm afraid that I am stuck listening to it with the two holes on the either side of my head. If the sound quality doesn't meet the criteria of your high standards, don't buy it and quit sniveling.

To me, all of these releases sound great. Truckin' up to Buffalo, Crimson White and Indigo, the Warlocks Box, Nightfall of Diamonds, Terrapin Limited, Dozin' at the Knick and the Nassau Birdsong & Copps Scarlet >Fire blurbs on the So Many Roads set all sound top notch.

I wonder if the demons Brent was dealing with, if in relation to the stigma of being "the new guy" is what had finally caught up to him? Whatever energy that inspired his playing over those last several was nothing short of phenominal.He went out at the top of his game.

I don't know if this has been mentioned yet, but it's interesting that, like the 7,200 steamer trunks for the E72 box, they chose to grace the Spring '90 Box with 9,000 units.

My copy of Dave's Picks Volume 3 hasn't arrived yet either and I'm in California. I'm in Los Angeles though, so I'm not worried. The package has to go all the way to So Cal, stop at some major sorting house bureaucracy, probably go from there to LA, more bureaucracy, then finally go out with the mailman making his rounds to my apartment building. Judging by Europe 72 things tend to arrive about a day or two after the first people get it on the east coast.

@ Poetry: Go easy on Dave, Bobby said pretty much the same thing in his little promo interview video. There are probably more people whose favorite era is the 70's than anything else, but there are plenty of Deadheads who swear by the Brent era. And Brent is on fire here, just listen to the latest sample from 3/19/90. It may not be your favorite tour of all time, but they had already released a lot from 72, 73 and 77, and it makes sense for the first mega-box after E72 to be non-70's especially considering that Dave's Picks Volumes 1-3 are all from the 70s albeit very different eras of the 70's.

everyone has their opinion but for david lemieux to say the spring 90's are has good has the europe 72',fall 73' and spring 77' is just....wow.i would have to say that is a man trying to make some sales.now he did say-the best tours in grateful dead history,maybe he was there on all those tours and had a great time but as far as music goes-your own opinion or someone else's-no freakin way do they compare to the 90's.spring or any other time.wow david,really?

I literally got the exact same email from customer service today. Signed by Andre as well. I have been ordering for 10 years, I have ever once had an incident before. But like you said it usually takes 4-5 days. Every time, release after release. Good luck on yours, I'm hoping it is just taking a whole to get to the East Coast. I know the USPS is going under but come on now. Next time I will go with UPS for my releases

what up,i'm here in pennsylvania and i too am still waiting.in fact i emailed customer service yesterday because i never had to wait this long.yes i know a few more days is not that much but have been ordering for 15years i know how long it usually takes.here is what customer service said,right from my email-Dear,Sam

Your order was shipped on 7/30/12 please allow 12-14 business days to receive your order due it being shipped by usps and their is no tracking number,because the order is a lite package.Thank You
Sincerely, Andre Customer Service
Dead..Net
1- 800-225-3323 now that you have not received yours in georgia is i hope nothing more than coincidence.peace-though i don't believe in coincidences

I know this is off topic, but is anyone still waiting on Dave's Picks volume 3? I'm here in GA and it has not yet arrived. I am trying to gauge if anyone else out this way is still waiting on their copy as well. Thanks and have a good evening!

Spacebrother, I don't know which organ you were using to listen to those mixes, but I find the ears work best. (The two holes on either side of the head where sound goes in.) The Warlocks box sounds like a mix by someone in the first semester of audio engineering school. The worst offense is that the vocals are often buried, especially Jerry's. There are many other imbalances, unpleasant dynamics, and the whole thing sounds harsh and very cold compared to any other multi-track mix released thus far.

Compare this to the amazing job Jeff Norman did on the Movie Soundtrack. Even Phil and Owsley could not make a listenable mix from those tapes (hear Steal Your Face) yet JN worked wonders because he had the time (budget). That release sold (and still sells) for less than $12 per disc, about the same we are now paying for vastly inferior audio products.

Compare also to Two From the Vault, where Dan Healy worked tirelessly to correct time smear by running each track through different delays, to re-focus the sound. This kind of effort will NEVER HAPPEN AGAIN because we accept the rush jobs we are now fed with regularity.

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